The City Zoo (the oldest zoo in the country, dating back over 150 years) is home to more than 1,100 different animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. You will find it in its picturesque location next to the harbour.

Now the city's main cathedral, it was built among a bit of controversy in the mid-20th century, as it replaced the original city church on Parque Vidal. It is home to a white statue of the Virgin Mary which was mysteriously lost for several decades, only to be found in a ditch and finally returned.

It was built on a site of a Jesus college. It was a foundation, set up by clerics from Madrid's Royal Monastery (Monasterio de la Visitación), under the patronage of the princes Carlos María Isidro de Borbón and his wife, María de Asís de Braganza y Borbón. The monastery was built in neoclassical style, between 1826 and 1832. On the outside, the facade is made from black and red marble, featuring the shields of Spain and Portugal, Saint Charles Borromeo, Saint Jane of Chantal and Saint Francis of Assisi. Inside the church, built in the shape of a Latin cross, there is an interesting collection of religious paintings by the Court painter, Vicente López and his school (Valencia)

You don't necessarily need to go far away from the city to enjoy a peaceful and natural environment: the renowned Botanical Garden, for example, is located right in the centre of Brno. Sit on a bench during a sunny day and have a chat with friends, or just contemplate the beauty around you.